Aug 04, 2020 (AB Digital via COMTEX) — Norristown, PA – It was announced this week that the School District of Philadelphia will be requiring all students to wear masks when classes resume this fall as part of a district-wide safety plan for the 2020-2021 school year. The requirement impacts roughly 130,000 students. Part of the plan for ensuring a safe environment includes changing masks two to three times per day.

“We must work together to mitigate risks to our students, teachers and staff,” shared Superintendent William R. Hite, Jr. in the district’s official announcement regarding procedures for returning safely in the fall. “This means that everyone will be required to wear face coverings, adhere to frequent handwashing routines, practice social distancing, and follow all health and safety protocols, including staying home if you are sick, exhibiting symptoms, or have had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19.” Having masks available for students who may not be able to procure their own is a heavy responsibility that falls on the shoulders of district officials.

The decision to resume in-person learning in the fall with a mask mandate in place is one that is sure to be repeated by countless school districts around the country. As a result, it is expected that the demand for PPE including N-95 masks will drastically increase in the weeks to come as schools gear up to welcome back students who haven’t stepped foot in the classroom since March. Sourcing a consistent supply of authentic, effective masks is no small task amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This is one reason why the leadership team at Norristown-based Secure Components launched an outreach campaign to let schools and districts know that quality masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) are available through the company.

Secure Components is positioned to supply local and nationwide school districts with masks due to its unique history as a contractor for some government agencies. Secure Components has long-standing vendor relationships with the Department of Defense, NASA and other agencies. Also, the company fulfills contracts with a large number of private and public enterprises in the commercial, industrial and medical industries.

“It has been difficult to find trusted sources during this period, so we were pleased to create a relationship with your company and appreciate the service that you have provided,” said Universal Health Services president Marc D. Miller in a recent letter endorsing Secure Components. “We would recommend your company to any other health providers considering partnering to secure vital PPE during this crisis,” continues Miller. Mr. Miller also states within the endorsement that his company has been pleased with the quality of the N-95 NIOSH certified masks supplied by Secure Components. The Secure Components team is currently accepting inquiries from school districts and school leaders around the country seeking N-95 NIOSH and other masks in anticipation of the fall semester.